Furusato Ginga Line

ふるさと銀河線

Originally called the Abashiri Line under  Japanese Government Railways, the original 77.4km segment opened on September 22, 1910, connecting Ikeda and Rikubetsu. A northern extension was added on September 25, 1911, connecting Rikunbetsu and Kitami. In 1912 the Abashiri Line was further extended to Abashiri, with a name change to Abashiri Main Line. 

In 1987, the OG owners Japanese National Railways  was privatized after profitability came into effect on the rails and years of Japanese prosperity was knocking at the door. This was the beginnings of management under JR Hokkaido and, soon after; on June 4, 1989, JR Hokkaido ceased operation of the Chihoku Line. Incredibly however, in the Chihoku Line's case a successor company was established by local governments and private investors. Hokkaidō Chihoku Kōgen Railway Company was born and renamed the Chihoku Line to the Furusato Ginga Line, which means "Hometown Galaxy Line", and introduced new cars. However, due to unprofitability, the company came to the decision to close the 140km (87 mi) line, which thus ceased operations on April 21, 2006.